Ministries of E-TEAM Tokyo 2009
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The E-Team journey continues! Friday was a day of downtown cultural
experiences with Ken and one of our Japanese Christian friends, Mr.
Kazama, a high school teacher. Mr. Kazama brought a young friend,
Ryohei, along. The first stop was Kabuki, traditional Japanese
theatre, something that many Japanese aspire to see at least once
in their lifetime. Next was the Emperor's residence and gardens,
then a traditional Buddhist temple. Saturday was a work day with
Pastor Kojima at the Iriso Church and a lunch shared with some of
the church people. We then visited two stores for some shopping. We
ended the day at Kamifukuoka Church with a delicious curry dinner
prepared by the Nomura family.
Sunday was a day of ministry, beginning at the Iriso Church. The
skit and songs were performed, then a "Mexican Haystack" lunch
(Mexican taco meat served over rice) was enjoyed by everyone. In
the afternoon, the group headed to Kamifukuoka Train Station to
hand out fliers for the upcoming Dinosaur Party outreach. We then
continued on to the neighborhood park for more handouts, then went
to a local buffet restaurant.
Monday morning we participated in a Japanese Tea Ceremony with six
teachers. This group has been welcoming Tokyo E-Teams since 2003,
through one of Judy's former students, Mrs. Satomi Ishizu. Each
student was given an opportunity to try their skills at this
characteristically Japanese tradtion that dates back to the early
1600's. Julie, a member of one of the French FWB Churches who
arrived in Japan on Friday evening, joined our group. After the Tea
Ceremony, we met Dale and Sandra Bishop and Iriso Pastor Kojima for
lunch. The group then continued on the trains to downtown
Tokyo.
Please keep the testimonies of the group in your prayers as they
are witnessing to Japanese in our local area. We've been working
for several months with many of the people we are introducing the
E-Team members to, trying to build relationships. We are praying
that through their actions many will be led to Christ in our
neighborhood!
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In the last few days of Tokyo E-Team's visit, they have been very
busy with ministry opportunities! A visit to New Life League, a
Christian publishing company that sends Bibles and Christian
literature throughout all of Asia and into other parts of the
world, was enlightening as we heard the trials of Christians who
struggle to obtain Bibles. The Team gave an offering to send Bibles
into China, Africa and throughout the world. The Team also visited
English classes at Iriso Church and The Good News Chapel. Many
hours have been spent preparing evangelistic fliers for posting in
mail boxes and to distribute at our train stations. They have been
very enthusiastic about these ministries! Our Children's Outreach
Dinosaur Party, held at our local train station building, was a
wonderful day! 103 people attended, and we had many opportunites to
present our church and English/Bible class outreach programs. The
students were especially happy to see some of the people they had
given fliers to show up for the meeting. Sunday morning worship was
attended by many of our English class members, and several took
students home for an overnight stay. The Team did a fantastic job
with their pantomime and singing, and we were all blessed to see
how people's hearts were touched through the message
presented.
